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Charleston: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Get ready to swing with the Charleston! Also known as the charleston dance or charleston step, this beginner-friendly move is a staple in Lindy Hop routines. It is all about twisting your feet and swinging your legs forward and back. You will often see this classic step in vintage-inspired fitness routines because it brings a fun, bouncy energy to the dance floor. Let us break down this iconic 4-count move!

Step card

Count
1, 2, 3, 4 (step, kick, step, touch)
Level
Beginner
Found in
Lindy Hop
In short
Twisting the feet and swinging the legs forward and back

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. On count 1, step forward with your left foot, shifting your weight completely onto it.
  2. On count 2, kick your right foot forward in the air without putting your weight on it.
  3. On count 3, step backward with your right foot and shift your weight onto it.
  4. On count 4, touch your left foot back behind you without transferring your weight.
  5. Keep your knees slightly bent throughout the whole sequence to maintain a bouncy rhythm.

Tips

  • Keep your posture upright but relaxed, letting your arms swing naturally in opposition to your legs.
  • Add a slight twist to your heels on every count to give the step its authentic styling.
  • Stay on the balls of your feet to make the timing feel lighter and more agile.

Common mistakes

  • Stepping heavily on the kick or touch. Remember that counts 2 and 4 are just a kick and a tap without any weight change.
  • Keeping your knees completely straight. Soften your knees to absorb the bounce and protect your joints as you move.
  • Forgetting to use your arms. Swing your arms comfortably opposite to your stepping foot to help with your balance.

Variations and practice

  • Practice the footwork slowly without the heel twists until you feel comfortable with the basic weight transfers.
  • Try keeping the kicks low to the ground if you are just starting out, before working up to higher kicks.
  • Travel with it by taking larger steps forward and backward to cover more space in your living room.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.